Raman tag

Abstract

The present invention provides novel Raman tags for exploring membrane interactions in cells. The tags comprise a phenyl diyne probe where in the dyine is capped with the phenyl group. Methods for using the tags are also provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A compound with the following formula: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       or 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
       2. A method to use the compound of  claim 1  to detect cholesterol storage and trafficking in live cells, comprising applying the compound to said live cells and subjecting said live cells to Raman Spectroscopy to identify cholesterol location in said live cells. 
     
     
       3. The compound according to  claim 1 , wherein the compound is inert. 
     
     
       4. The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the compound is selectively accumulated in lysosomes in a cellular model of NP-C disease. 
     
     
       5. The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said compound reacts with Acyl-CoA and ACAT-1 (cholesterol acyltransferase 1) and deposits the resultant ester product in lipid droplets (LDs). 
     
     
       6. A method for screening a lead compound that interfere cholesterol metabolism in live cells, comprising applying the compound in  claim 1  with or without said lead compound to said live cells, subjecting said live cells to Raman Spectroscopy and identifying cholesterol storage and localization changes in lead compound treated live cells compared to those not treated cells.